Francis L. Donovan Explained

Francis L. Donovan
Allegiance:United States
Branch:United States Marine Corps
Serviceyears:1988–present
Rank:Lieutenant General
Commands:2nd Marine Division
5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
24th MEU
Awards:Silver Star
Defense Superior Service Medal (3)
Legion of Merit (2)

Francis L. Donovan is a United States Marine Corps lieutenant general who serves as the vice commander of the United States Special Operations Command. He has served as the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division from 2020 to 2022.[1] [2]

As a LtCol, Donovan served as Executive Officer of Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One (Det One) from 16 April 2005 to 10 March 2006.[3] He later served as the Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Prior to JSOC, Major General Donovan spent two years as the Commanding General of Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade - known as Task Force 51/5. [4]

Donovan earned a B.A. degree in geography from Towson University. He later received a Master of Military Studies degree from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a Master of Strategic Studies degree the U.S. Army War College.[5]

After division command, he served as the director of Marine Corps Communication.[6]

In September 2022, Donovan was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general with assignment as vice commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. He was confirmed December 15, 2022.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: VMI Alumni Assume, Change Commands. October 2, 2020. VMI Alumni Agencies.
  2. Web site: Fair Winds and Following Seas: 2d Marine Division Change of Command. DVIDS.
  3. Web site: DET ONE U.S. MARINE CORPS U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND DETACHMENT, 2003-2006. 2010. United States Marine Corps. 9 September 2022.
  4. Web site: Commanding General, 2d Marine Division . U.S. Marine Corps . September 9, 2022 . September 15, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220915105803/https://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/Leaders/Biography/Article/516073/major-general-francis-l-donovan/ . bot: unknown .
  5. Web site: Commanding General, 2d Marine Division . U.S. Marine Corps . June 18, 2021.
  6. Web site: General Officer Announcements. 2022-09-09. 2022-09-09. U.S. Department of Defense.
  7. Web site: PN2513 — Maj. Gen. Francis L. Donovan — Marine Corps. September 6, 2022. United States Congress.